Ms. McCaleb is a graduate of Georgia College & State University
with a bachelors degree in music therapy and certification in music education.
She completed her six month music therapy internship at Herndon Center
for special education in Farifax County Public Schools. Ms. McCaleb became
a board certified music therapist in 1999 after completing the national
board certification exam . She has been the general music instructor
at Richards Middle for the past five and a half years. This is her first
year as choral director. In past years she has co-directed several of the
school musicals, directed the RMS Singers, and assisted at many other chorus
events.
Philosophy of Music Education
I believe that music making plays an important part in the lives of many people. It functions as a creative outlet, emotional expression, and artistic expression. Music gives people a creative outlet to express their thoughts and feelings. I believe that music making can be an integral part of any person’s life no matter what one’s individual background or ability may be. I feel that it is vital for a child’s education to be well rounded and to include the music arts. This should include providing opportunities for students to hear live performances of many kinds to broaden their listening appreciation and understanding.
Teachers play an important part in our education system to convey necessary music information to students and to serve as role models for the students as well. As a music educator I can help a child to develop music and cultural skills that they will carry on in their adult lives no matter what their career path. Teachers can impact students in many ways, teaching them discipline, encouraging them through times of struggle and in many other countless ways.
I teach because I know that I can make a difference even to one child.
When I teach music, these activities allow me to reach students in a way
that no other teacher can. Music surpasses all language barriers and ability
levels. When asked why I teach music I reply “ I am here to make a difference,
using music in ways that others can not!”
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“Accelerating
Choral Music Achievement for All Students”